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Site FeedbackCaring Hands Newsletter - Summer 2008
A Caregiver's Reflections
By Suzanne ClementsMy Kids and Mrs. Parker
For anyone who feels as though their kids would keep them from being able to volunteer, they should think about the whole picture, and that is what the influence of having an elderly person in your life can do for you AND your kids. My kids have felt a sense of obligation and need to help Mrs. Parker out. They're still kids, they bicker, argue and fight, but it's nice to see them getting along (I've stressed they can't fight in front of Mrs. Parker - it might make her nervous! I LOVE this little added benefit to the program!) and they are reaching out and trying to help someone.
Mrs. Parker is a patient listener and a great storyteller. She loves nature, animals and the great outdoors and I think that's what enables us to get along so well. She might have told a few stories more than once, but the kids still sit and patiently listen as she tells it again, then she listens while they ramble on and on about what they've been learning in school, or what they want to do in the future. I don't really consider myself a role model, people like Jean are the role models, I want my kids to listen, learn and have the influence of someone who's "Been there, done that" so they don't fall for the pressure from their peers. Jean is great. She's very non-judgmental and makes the kids feel special. She has been a blessing for us.
A few times, the kids have had the option of staying home with Daddy while I take Mrs. Parker to the store (boring!!) but they all jump up and have to come with me. They don't want to miss their time with Mrs. Parker, and Mrs. Parker always asks, "Will you be bringing the kids?" And when I ask her permission to make sure it's okay, she always says she wouldn't have it any other way. So there you have it, it's a two way street! We all enjoy each other's companionship!
You should also tell anyone who may think their kids would be a negative in this situation, that actually the kids helped ease the awkwardness of meeting someone for the first time. We never ran out of conversation. The kids were an ice-breaker as they always had a question to ask, or something to say. I think this helped our relationship, as it can be kind of awkward meeting someone for the first time and wondering, "Will they like us, will we like them?" At any rate, we are glad you found her for us, we have a lot in common and she is very kind to the children. So, thank you to the entire Caring Hands staff!
Suzanne Clements
[back to top]2008 Spring Tea Event Celebrates Caregivers and Care Receivers
More than 120 volunteer caregivers and senior care receivers gathered June 6, 2008 to celebrate special friendships when Caring Hands hosted its second annual "Spring Tea."
Author Amy Gorman was the key note speaker, addressing the crowd about aging gracefully, aging positively, and aging creatively. Gorman's book, "Aging Artfully: Profiles of Visual and Performing Women Artists 85-105" promotes positive healthy aging for the general public, and advocates involvement with the creative arts in retirement years.
Other speakers included Carol Louisell, Caring Hands program manager, Linda Groobin, volunteer coordinator for Caring Hands and Roxanne Foster, director of Volunteer Services for John Muir Health. They expressed their gratitude to all the volunteers who give so generously of their time to seniors in our community.
The highlight of the day however was the volunteers and their care receivers. "I cannot begin to tell you what it meant to my new care receiver," says volunteer Pat Albright. "She was in seventh heaven! Between planning what to wear, loving the selection of food and feeling special, [the event] made her day and mine too!"
Volunteer Velma Black had a similar experience. "All the way home, my care receiver, Sally, kept repeating what a beautiful time she had."
Caring Hands Hits Home Run with Fundraiser Event
The Caring Hands Volunteer Caregivers Program grossed nearly $17,000 at their "Evening at the A's" event held June 27, 2008.
Participants were treated with a night of food and fun as the Oakland A's battled the San Francisco Giants. In addition, the 225 in attendance were able to bid on fun sports memorabilia and purchase raffle tickets to help benefit Caring Hands.
Some of the auction items included a deluxe yacht ride, signed sports gear from A's star Huston Street, a luxury box for an A's game, and an autographed baseball from local sports legend Tony La Russa. The event was made possible by the generosity of several "World Series" sponsors: Companion Care; HCIM, Inc.; J. Rockcliff Realty; Claire and Richard Clancy; and one donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
"We were pleased to sponsor this worthwhile event benefiting seniors living in Contra Costa County", said Stephanie Fordham from J. Rockcliff Realtors. "Caring Hands is an amazing program and we were honored to be a part of this fun event to help raise money for a great cause!"
Caring Hands Advisory Committee |
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| Rita Clancy, MSW | Jewish Family & Children's Services, Vice Chair |
| Rafael Quintero | Security Pacific Real Estate, Vice Chair |
| Harry Jayasingha | Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, Secretary |
| Solomon Belette | Catholic Charities of the East Bay |
| Roxanne Foster | Director of Volunteer Services, John Muir Health |
| Sandra Lemmons | Companion Care |
| Rev. Dwane Michael | Pastoral Care, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Campus |
| Lynn Opp, CFP | Merrill Lynch |
| Cathie Ramey | Walnut Creek Senior Club |
| Mary Roberts | Saint John Vianney Caholic Church |
| Grala Warren | Saint Matthew Lutheran Chuch |
| Ray Zenoni | Pleasant Hill |
Caring Hands Staff |
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| Carol Louisell | Program Manager |
| Kathy Friend, LCSW | Social Services Coordinator |
| Linda Groobin | Volunteer Coordinator |
| Lilian Kotz | Department Secretary |
| Nancy Ramirez | Hispanic Outreach Coordinator |
| Maria Tataru, LCSW | Intake Coordinator |
